Exploring the island of Kauai from the sky and discovering its cinematic legacy can make for an unforgettable day trip. The Day Trip from Oahu to Kauai offers a unique blend of movie adventures and breathtaking aerial views, providing travelers with a chance to enjoy the stunning landscapes that have graced the silver screen. With round-trip airfare, a helicopter tour, and a delicious lunch at a renowned local hotel, this excursion promises to be a well-rounded and memorable experience. But the real question is, what hidden gems might this day trip uncover?
Good To Know
- This day trip from Oahu to Kauai includes a movie adventure tour and a 45-minute helicopter ride showcasing Kauai’s stunning landscapes.
- The tour has a weight limit of 240 lbs per passenger, and a comfort seat surcharge applies for those exceeding this limit.
- The itinerary covers Kauai’s highlights like Opaekaa Falls, movie filming locations, and a lunch at the Tahiti Nui restaurant.
- The helicopter tour provides a unique aerial perspective of the Na Pali Coast, Hanapepe Valley, Waimea Canyon, and other breathtaking sights.
- While the tour has received mixed reviews, the helicopter ride is widely praised as the highlight of the experience.
Tour Overview
The day trip from Oahu to Kauai includes a movie adventure and helicopter tour.
With a 3.5/5 rating from 7 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, this tour has mixed feedback.
There’s a weight limit of 240 lbs per passenger, with a comfort seat surcharge for those over this. The tour is non-refundable and non-changeable once reserved, with a maximum of 24 travelers.
Pickup is early at 5:30 AM from Waikiki hotels, followed by a flight to Kauai to explore movie sites and natural wonders.
The 45-minute helicopter tour by Blue Hawaiian Helicopters provides scenic views of the island’s highlights.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Oahu.
Itinerary Details
An early start awaits participants, with pickup at Waikiki hotels at 5:30 AM and a transfer to the airport for a flight to Lihue, Kauai.
The tour showcases Kauai’s highlights, including Opaekaa Falls, Ahukini Landing, Lydgate Beach, Kapa’a, Kealia Scenic Viewpoint, Kalalea Mountain, and Princeville.
Along the way, visitors will visit movie sites from films like Jurassic Park, King Kong, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Lilo and Stitch.
Lunch is provided at the Tahiti Nui restaurant, featured in The Descendants, with options like salad, sandwiches, and cheeseburger, plus unlimited soft drinks.
Helicopter Tour Details
What’s a 45-minute helicopter tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters that offers scenic views of the Na Pali Coast, Hanapepe Valley, Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay, and Mount Waialeale? This exhilarating aerial adventure is part of the day trip from Oahu to Kauai. Passengers are weighed at check-in, as accurate body weight is required due to weight restrictions. The helicopter tour provides a unique perspective of Kauai’s breathtaking landscapes, complementing the land-based exploration of movie filming sites and island highlights. While gratuities are not included, the helicopter ride is consistently noted as the best part of this tour in customer reviews.
Viewing Region | Key Features |
---|---|
Na Pali Coast | Dramatic cliffs and valleys |
Hanapepe Valley | Lush green landscapes |
Waimea Canyon | Colorful geological formations |
Hanalei Bay | Crescent-shaped bay and beaches |
Mount Waialeale | One of the wettest places on Earth |
Weight Restrictions
As passengers are weighed at check-in, accurate body weight is required due to weight restrictions on the helicopter tour.
The total weight per passenger is limited to 240 lbs. Passengers who exceed this weight will be subject to a comfort seat surcharge. This is to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers during the helicopter ride.
The tour operator emphasizes the importance of providing accurate body weight information, as it directly affects the overall weight capacity and distribution on the helicopter.
Adhering to these weight guidelines is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable aerial experience over the stunning landscapes of Kauai.
- Total weight per passenger: 240 lbs
- Comfort seat surcharge for those over 240 lbs
- Accurate body weight required at check-in
Included and Additional Costs
The tour package includes round-trip interisland airfare between Oahu and Kauai. However, passengers may incur additional charges if their total weight exceeds 240 lbs. Gratuities for the tour guides and lunch are not covered in the tour price. While the lunch options at Tahiti Nui restaurant are included, any additional food or drinks purchased during the Hanalei Town visit must be paid for separately.
Included | Additional |
---|---|
Interisland Airfare | Comfort Seat Surcharge |
45-min Helicopter Tour | Gratuities |
Lunch at Tahiti Nui | Hanalei Town Lunch |
Movie Tour Sites | N/A |
Customer Experiences
How have previous customers rated this day trip from Oahu to Kauai? The tour has received mixed reviews, with a 3.5/5 rating based on 7 reviews across Viator and Tripadvisor.
While the helicopter tour was a highlight, some customers expressed dissatisfaction with the land tour and organization:
- Delays in pickup, lack of snacks/drinks before lunch, and insufficient narration during the land tour
- Complaints about the overall tour’s execution and attention to details
However, the scenic helicopter ride was widely praised as the best part of the experience, and the lunch at Tahiti Nui was described as adequate.
Essential Requirements
When booking this day trip from Oahu to Kauai, travelers should be aware of a few key requirements. First and foremost, there is a weight limit of 240 lbs per passenger, with a comfort seat surcharge for those exceeding this. Plus, the tour is non-refundable and non-changeable once reserved, and it accommodates a maximum of 24 travelers. Passengers must also provide valid government-issued identification, and special needs requests must be communicated to the local supplier at least one week prior to the tour.
Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Weight Limit | 240 lbs per passenger |
Comfort Seat Surcharge | For those over 240 lbs |
Refund/Change Policy | Non-refundable and non-changeable |
Group Size | Maximum of 24 travelers |
Identification | Valid government-issued ID required |
Special Needs | Communicated 1 week prior |
Things To Known
Is There a Scenic Stop for Photographs During the Land Tour?
Yes, the land tour includes a stop at the Kealia Scenic Viewpoint where travelers can take photographs of the scenic Kauai landscape.
Can I Add More Time in Hanalei Town for Shopping and Dining?
Unfortunately, the tour itinerary doesn’t allow for extra time in Hanalei Town. The schedule is fixed, and the tour is non-refundable and non-changeable once reserved. Adding more time would require booking a separate activity or extending the trip on your own.
Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Helicopter Tour?
Unfortunately, the tour does not offer a private helicopter option. The helicopter tour is part of the group excursion and cannot be upgraded. However, independent private helicopter tours may be available through other providers in Kauai.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Beverages on the Tour?
The tour does not allow passengers to bring their own food or beverages. Lunch is provided at the Tahiti Nui restaurant, and unlimited soft drinks are included. Outside food and drinks are not permitted on the tour.
What Is the Dress Code and Recommended Attire for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, lightweight clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Bring a light jacket or sweater as the helicopter ride may be breezy. Casual, weather-appropriate attire is best for the day’s activities.
Sum Up
The Day Trip from Oahu to Kauai blends movie magic and breathtaking aerial views for an unforgettable experience. Guests explore iconic film locations while soaring over Kauai’s stunning landscapes on a thrilling helicopter tour. With round-trip airfare, lunch, and more included, this tour offers an excellent value for travelers seeking an adventure-filled day trip between the Hawaiian islands.
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